18th May 2025, Kaushambi — A National Virtual Conference on “Law and Literature” was organized by the Social Justice Forum under the International Sai Sewa Trust (ISST) in collaboration with ABAP – Kaushambi District & Sessions Court Unit, bringing together legal experts, educators, and scholars to explore the intersection of legal thought and literary expression.
In the inaugural address, Ms. Dipti, a representative of the Social Justice Forum, welcomed the guests and participants, introducing the conference’s central theme. She highlighted how literature reflects, critiques, and humanizes law, while law, in turn, uses language and narrative to convey justice. She explained two key interdisciplinary perspectives:
- Law-in-Literature: How legal issues, morality, and justice are portrayed in fictional works.
- Law-as-Literature: How legal texts and judgments use storytelling, rhetoric, and interpretation to shape outcomes.
Keynote Address by Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao – Chief Guest
The conference was graced by the presence of Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao, a highly respected legal academic and current Vice Chancellor of the India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa. With over 45 years in legal academia and a decade-long tenure as Vice Chancellor of NLSIU, Bangalore, Prof. Rao delivered an insightful keynote.
He underscored that Law is not merely a system of rules, but a narrative of society’s values. He stressed the significance of integrating literature into legal education to promote empathy, ethical reasoning, and deeper interpretation. His keynote inspired participants to embrace an interdisciplinary mindset in legal studies and practice.
Special Guest Address by Mr. Jeevan Sagar
Mr. Jeevan Sagar, a distinguished scholar in English Literature and educator, shared his unique perspective on how linguistics, rhetoric, and storytelling are central to legal discourse. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, spoke about his teaching experiences at HNLU and other institutions and emphasized that literature sharpens critical thinking and enhances communication in legal settings.
His message encouraged participants to view law not only as a technical profession but as a field enriched by the humanities, where words can be instruments of both justice and reform.
Special Guest Address by Advocate K.D. Dwivedi
The conference also honored Advocate K.D. Dwivedi, is a Senior Legal Practitioner, social activist, and founder of the International Sai Sewa Trust. With over two decades of legal experience in the civil, & criminal side and a 7-year tenure as District Government Counsel (Criminal), Advocate Dwivedi’s contribution to law and society is remarkable.
In his address, he emphasized the need for legal professionals to actively engage in social welfare and grassroots legal empowerment also emphasized that while law seeks order and structure, literature brings empathy and moral imagination—both essential for true justice. His organization, ISST, has led initiatives in education, healthcare, child welfare, and disaster relief. He has been honored with the Excellence Book of Records Award and an Honorary Doctorate in Criminal Justice for his impactful work.
Panel Discussion – “Law & Literature: Bridging the Divide”
An engaging panel discussion followed, exploring:
- Law in Literature: How themes like power, justice, and morality are portrayed in novels and plays.
- Literature in Law: How storytelling shapes legal arguments, courtroom narratives, and interpretation.
- Interdisciplinary Value: The mutual enrichment of both fields in understanding justice and societal reform.
Speakers emphasized that literature can bring a human face to legal processes, offering a more compassionate and just lens for legal interpretation.
Roundtable Discussion – “The Future of Law and Literature Studies”
This roundtable focused on:
- Emerging Legal Trends: The rise of technology, digital platforms, and global legal challenges.
- AI in Legal Research: How artificial intelligence is transforming legal education, analysis, and access to information.
- Interdisciplinary Education: The importance of integrating literature, humanities, and AI into law school curricula for well-rounded legal training.
The session emphasized preparing the next generation of lawyers for a future where ethics, empathy, and technology go hand-in-hand.
An engaging Q&A session followed the speaker presentations, where participants posed thoughtful questions to the panelists, sparking insightful discussions on the future of legal education, the role of ethics, and the influence of literature on justice.
According to the organizers, the conference received over 550 registrations from across the country, reflecting strong interest in the interdisciplinary theme.
Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks
The conference concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Akshit Dwivedi, CEO of ISST. He extended heartfelt appreciation to all speakers, participants, and collaborators for making the event a success.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Social Justice Forum and ABAP to promote legal awareness, education, and inclusive justice through such impactful initiatives.
About the Organisers
Social Justice Forum – An initiative under the International Sai Sewa Trust (ISST), the Forum works toward legal literacy, child and women’s rights, and social justice through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP) – India’s largest organization of legal professionals, dedicated to strengthening the legal system through grassroots engagement, legal education, and national integration.
Leadership Behind the Initiative
Advocate Prashant Dwivedi, a practicing advocate at the High Court, Allahabad, and Director of the Social Justice Forum, has consistently championed the cause of legal empowerment and access to justice. His vision and dedication have played a pivotal role in driving initiatives that bridge the legal system with grassroots communities.
Mr. Akshit Dwivedi, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Sai Sewa Trust (NGO), is an aspiring legal professional and social reformer. His extensive involvement in legal literacy and child rights programs includes leadership roles in initiatives collaborated by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Department of Women and Child Development, UPSCPCR, and NCPCR. Honored as a “Child Rights Champion” by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Akshit Dwivedi is a published author with research articles in reputed law journals and has co-authored the upcoming book “Decoding the Fundamental Rights”, which has received national recognition and blessings from senior legal dignitaries and is set to be foreworded by Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor of HNLU and President of the Consortium of NLUs.
